Is it disrespectful for a civilian to salute a veteran?

No, a civilian saluting a veteran isn't inherently disrespectful, but it's generally not standard protocol and can seem awkward or out of place unless it's a formal event like a parade; a simple "Thank you for your service," firm handshake, or a nod is often preferred and more appropriate for showing respect to veterans or service members outside of uniform. Military hand salutes are for uniformed personnel and official events, with civilians expected to follow flag etiquette (hand over heart) during anthems, not military salutes.

Is it okay for a civilian to salute a veteran?

Yes -- a civilian may salute a veteran, but do so with awareness of context, customs, and likely reactions. Saluting is primarily a military gesture signaling respect, recognition of rank, or adherence to customs. Civilians are not required to salute; it's a military privilege and protocol.

Is it okay for a non-military person to salute?

Yes, non-military personnel can salute, but it's generally not standard practice for civilians unless during specific patriotic events like the National Anthem or funerals, where hand-over-heart (removing hats if applicable) is the civilian norm, though veterans (even in civvies) can render the military salute; the key is to show respect appropriately, which means avoiding civilian salutes to active-duty personnel, as the military serves the people, not the other way around. 

What is the new saluting law for veterans?

A change to federal law allows U.S. veterans and military personnel not in uniform to render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem. The law took effect earlier this month, according to a Department of Veterans Affairs news release.

Is a salute disrespectful?

Saluting is generally not disrespectful if done sincerely as a sign of honor, but it's a formal military custom; civilians usually show respect better with a simple "Thank you for your service," a nod, or placing their right hand over their heart during anthems, as the military salute is a specific privilege for service members, and a civilian's attempt can feel awkward or misplaced, though well-intentioned. Intent matters: mocking it is disrespectful, but genuine appreciation is usually fine, though many veterans prefer simpler gestures. 

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Why are salutes illegal?

ILLEGAL EXPLOSIVES DEVICES

Many law enforcement agencies consider these explosive devices, commonly referred to as M-80s, M-100s, quarter sticks, cherry bombs, and silver salutes, illegal because they exceed the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's explosive weight limits for consumer fireworks.

Can you salute as a veteran?

A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. This was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14, 2008.

What is the proper way to greet a veteran?

Sample of appropriate greetings:

1. Happy Veterans Day.
2. Thank you for your service.
3. Thank you for all you did for our country.
4. Those who live in freedom will always be grateful to those who helped preserve it.

Can a veteran in civilian clothes salute during taps?

Former military members not in uniform may salute. However, civilians should not salute. As a sign of respect, civilians should instead remove any head gear and place it over their heart.

What to do when a civilian salutes you?

Salutes are returned by persons saluted except when they are uncovered—the person saluted should acknowledge the salute with an appropriate greeting or a nod of the head.

Can I salute if I never served?

A military hand salute is considered a privilege earned by those who have served in the Armed Forces, so it should be reserved for this purpose.

Do all veterans get a 21-gun salute at their funeral?

The three-volley salute is what you typically see at military funerals, not the 21-gun salute reserved for national honors.

Is it disrespectful to salute if you weren't in the military?

Regarding civilians saluting military personnel: military codes and civilian laws do not prohibit you from saluting military personnel; however, it's important to grasp that doing so is not common practice.

What to say to a veteran instead of thank you for your service?

Instead of "thank you for your service," try acknowledging their specific sacrifice, asking an open-ended question, or showing gratitude for their character, such as "Thank you for your sacrifice," "I appreciate your commitment to our country," or "You didn't have to serve, but you chose to, and I'm grateful for that". Being genuine, listening to their stories, or simply saying, "Thank you for serving" can also be very meaningful. 

Do veterans like being thanked for their service?

A recent survey sponsored by USAA, the financial firm whose corporate roots trace to selling insurance to military officers, found that nearly 70% of younger service members and veterans feel uncomfortable and awkward when people tell them, “Thank you for your service.”

What are the rules for saluting?

Military saluting involves a precise hand motion, initiating with the right hand to the eyebrow/visor, fingers straight, palm slightly tilted down, held until acknowledged, and returning sharply to the side, while civilians place their right hand over their heart (or hold hats) during the anthem/pledge or when honoring the flag/veterans. Key rules include juniors saluting first, accompanying with greetings (e.g., "Good Morning, Sir"), saluting officers in vehicles, and always maintaining the position of attention. 

What is the new law for veterans saluting?

WASHINGTON — Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month.

What is the proper salutation for retired military?

The proper designation typically includes their rank, the word "Retired" (or its abbreviation), and their name. For example, a retired Colonel named John Smith would be formally addressed as "Colonel John Smith, Retired" or "Colonel John Smith (Ret.)".

Do you salute officers if you're in civilians?

You don't have to salute indoors, except when you report to a superior officer. If either person is wearing civilian clothes and you do not recognize the other person as a superior officer, salutes are unnecessary. Use common sense.

Is a quarter stick of dynamite illegal?

M-100s contain about 20 grams of powder; about 400 times the legal limit. Other unsafe items include cherry bombs and sparkler bombs. Some of these items are comparable to a quarter to a whole stick of dynamite. These products are not fireworks and are classified as illegal explosives.

Can veterans salute without a hat?

Yes, thanks to a 2008 law (NDAA), U.S. veterans not in uniform can render the military salute during flag events like the National Anthem, even without a hat, though removing headwear and placing the hand over the heart is traditional for civilians; the law allows veterans to salute in the same manner as uniformed personnel, showing pride in service. 

Do civilians salute with their left?

Saluting the American Flag when in civilian attire

ALL PERSONS should remove their hats or caps and hold them at their left shoulder with their right hand over their heart. If a person is not wearing a hat, they should place their right hand, palm open, over their heart.